What car has the lowest cost to operate?

[Jimzz]

If it goes out of warranty Toyota parts are probably more affordable than Honda parts.

 

[Pardus]

So you have to go to Germany for the service?

I'm guessing by your comment you don't like Volkswagen brand.

 

[Discobubba]

Geez man, do you have any idea what a TDI is worth in most parts? Especially with low miles! Just go on Fred's TDI forum, or VW Vortex and you'll see what prices those things command. I'd question why you ever modded it to begin with instead of getting a GLX instead or chipping the engine first...but that'd be getting off topic.

I seriously created an account on here just to throw in that you should just return it to stock and utilize it like it was meant.

It just wouldnt feel right to drive her like a 4x4

Seriously don't get what you mean here. You mentioned your wife has an '10 Jetta so you now how they handle and feel. It's just a normal ride height car. The stock tires are common as hell and cheap to find used even.

Probably the most expensive thing on the TDI is maintenance, never had the privilege of owning one yet (too expensive for me to get), but looked into them quite a bit. Timing belt seems a rather lengthy process. For comparison I have a '97 Jetta 2.0L and maintenance is pretty easy. Just got it up to 200k before I've been forced to tear it apart for some issues.

 

[desura]

Well, first of all, a pure electric car will be the absolutely least cost to operate.

No spark plugs, no timing belt, reduced brake wear, minimal fuel charges, not having to spend *time* at the pump, etc, an electric car is great.

But that aside, a hybrid is pretty low maintinence also. I believe that the Prius should actually be less maintinence than a Corolla. Compared to the Corolla, the Prius should have--

-- less wear on transmission
-- Much less wear on brakes
-- not have to worry about timing belt replacement

 

[dbk]

When I had my Honda Fit, all i have ever spent money on was for regular maintenance. Only downside was that the gas mileage was not as good as some of the newer subcompacts.
It has so much more utility than a Corolla, imo... and prob more fun.